Ft. Lauderdale On January 23rd we find ourselves moored in Ft. Lauderdale amidst the areas mega-yachts. The Good Year blimp, which is circling overhead, doesn't seem at all out of place here. A rental car has enabled us to complete provisioning which included anchor chain and a new head. While here, we further explored our offshore email options. We investigated, at great length, the StarMate system as well as attaching a modem to our single sideband radio. After great deliberation (6 months) we have made the decision to pick up wi-fi when possible and to purchase, in the Bahamas, a cell phone and package. This will be our future means of communication - the decision is made.

Properties Palm Beach to Ft. Lauderdale As we travelled south along the ICW on Florida's Gold Coast, the homes seem to be becoming larger and larger. Each, of course, has a matching size mega-yacht docked alongside. Lately we've seen so many huge yachts we find that any under 100' now seem small to us. Passing of these mega-yachts is a daunting task when they are moving slowly, but downright intimidating when they have any speed on at all.

Palm Beach Golf Courses During January 18th and l9th we travelled a total of 55 miles which took us from Peck Lake (M992) to Lake Boca Raton (M1047). During that time we passed through 23 bridges that have restricted openings. In the 85 mile area known as the Gold Coast there is a total of 36 bridges with restricted openings. On approach, negotations must be made with each bridge operator (by means of the VHF radio) for a convenient opening time. Some open promptly on request, but others are on a set schedule and often we find ourselves biding our time for up to half an hour awaiting opening. After we passed through the PGA bridge in Palm Beach we enjoyed travelling by many of the beautiful world-class golf courses that line the ocean in the area.

Florida's Gold Coast - Palm Beach - Lake Worth The 85 miles of Florida's coastal area from Palm Beach to Miami is known as the Gold Coast. On our approach to this area we observed many properties for sale. We can only assume this is due to the higher cost of insurance problem the coastal area is experiencing. However, once we reached the Palm Beach area, money seems to be no problem what-so-ever (for them, not for us). Never have we witnessed such indulgence and opulence. We are definitely floating past and observing lifestyles of the very rich and famous.

Titusville to Hobe Sound National Refuge We returned on January 5th, 2007 to find our boat still snug and secure in Titusville, Florida. We were delighted to "catch up" with our friends Charlie and Chris on board Wingspread, who were on anchor there at the time. We spent four days in Titusville during which time we took delivery of a new life-raft, installed our wind generator and did extensive provisioning. Our next extended stop along the inter-coastal waterway found us anchored out for a week's time in Ft. Pierce as we awaited delivery of a new windlass. As we resumed our southward travel on the ICW an over-night anchorage in Peck Lake afforded us the opportunity to explore the Hobe Sound National Refuge. The beautiful ocean beach there was awash with shells as well as a great number of Portuguese Man of War.

Merry Christmas This Christmas we found ourselves overwhelmed by the love of our family and friends. We were extremely humbled by the immense kindness extended to us, by so many, at the get-togethers we enjoyed. It was wonderful to see everyone again. Thank you. We send special thanks to Barry's Mom, Alberta, for opening her home to us. It was great to be "home" for the holidays. As well, we extend a special thanks to Barry's brother, Randy, who graciously chauffered us, both ways, to the Detroit airport. We were grateful to have our daughter, Robin and her husband Matt home for the holidays, from their adventure in London, England. We also, so enjoyed, our time with our daughter Susan and her friend Chris. It was great fun to meet her new dog, Barkley. We send our most sincere thanks to all for making our time home so enjoyable and memorable. Happy New Year